‘I believe in India from day one’

INDIA IS not just a market but a pulsating heartbeat and hospitality industry is a vibrant canvas where tradition meets audacious reinvention; this is the takeaway audience gathered after Dimitris Manikis, President of Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, delved into the soulful composition of his life. Manikis was in conversation with veteran hotelier Rattan Keswani, former Deputy Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels. The dialogue at the BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards 2023 offered a glimpse into the art of working with Indians.

“India was no longer just an exporter of workforce; it had evolved into a formidable management force,” Manikis reminisced about the initial gamble that bore fruit. “I believe in India from day one,” Manikis asserted, embodying unwavering commitment to Tier I and Tier II cities. Outlining the intricate threads of the global hospitality tapestry, Manikis opined that a 60 per cent Indian-origin or diaspora workforce is shaping the US hospitality industry.

About his experience, he said, “We had to make a gamble in the beginning. We were lucky that we found the right owners who established a great brand presence. ” But beneath the glitz and glamour, he believes that success in this vibrant industry is a universal aspiration.

Be it the grandest palace or the humblest inn, every host shares the noble search of delighting guests while ensuring a return on investment. This common goal unites hearts worldwide in the pursuit of true hospitality. Yet amid this harmony, Manikis drew attention to the critical issue of sustainability.

The gleaming facades of hotels often mask the industry’s unsustainable practices. With ardent conviction, he urged a paradigm shift, calling for the industry to give back to the planet that sustains us all. In the context of India’s tourism potential on the world stage, he underscored that introducing the world to “Incredible India” is the way forward.

“Unless you introduce incredible India to the rest of the world, something can go wrong somewhere, and you won’t have an alternative. It’s not just about domestic tourism; it’s about showcasing India that’s just incredible. ” He added that the mosaic of India’s hospitality industry must be unveiled to global audiences, painting a vivid picture of its diversity, opulence and heritage.

In parting words, Manikis kindled a flame of self-realisation among the professionals. To flourish, the Indian hospitality business must tap into its boundless potential and harness its inherent strengths. At the end of the day, Manikis said, it was about running a hotel successfully.

Doing the right thing for the guest and making sure that you get a return on your investment: everybody has the same objectives. However, in your journey, you need to find your distinct story of grace, perseverance, and enduring success. This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated ” with cover story titled ‘BW HOTELIER IHA 2023 SPECIAL’.